First Meeting of the Greenland-Nunavut Fisheries Committee
Joint Statement
(August 13, 2025 – Nuuk, Greenland) On August 2, 2025, the Government of Greenland, Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association convened in Nuuk for the inaugural meeting of the Greenland-Nunavut Fisheries Committee, marking a historic milestone in Arctic fisheries cooperation.
Strengthening Arctic Partnerships
The Committee successfully established a framework for ongoing collaboration between Greenland and Nunavut. Representatives from all four organizations shared comprehensive overviews of their respective fisheries sectors, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in fisheries and fisheries related matters.
Key Achievements
Terms of Engagement Approved:
The Committee finalized and approved the Terms of Engagement that will guide future collaboration and decision-making processes.
Cooperation Areas Identified:
Participants identified several priority areas for joint cooperation, including, knowledge exchange, fisheries development, research and monitoring and potential innovation and trading opportunities. The Fisheries Committee will also develop a program for exchange of officers. Commitment to Sustainable Fisheries All parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable fisheries management that respects Inuit rights, local and Inuit knowledge, and environmental stewardship. The Committee emphasized the importance of balancing economic opportunities with conservation responsibilities in Arctic waters. Moving Forward The Committee established clear reporting procedures and timelines for ongoing collaboration. This inaugural meeting represents a significant step forward in Arctic cooperation, bringing together Greenlandic and Nunavut expertise to address shared fisheries challenges and opportunities in our changing Arctic environment.
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Media Contacts:
Ivaluarjuk Merritt Director of Communications Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. media@tunngavik.com Tanessa Boutin Manager of Communications Department of Community Services Government of Nunavut cs@gov.nu.ca Katrine Kærgaard Head of Division Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting, Agriculture and Self-sufficiency Government of Greenland apn@nanoq.gl Karen Flaherty Director, Strategic Communications Qikiqtani Inuit Association kflaherty@qia.ca (867) 975 - 8398
Terms of Engagement Approved:
The Committee finalized and approved the Terms of Engagement that will guide future collaboration and decision-making processes.
Cooperation Areas Identified:
Participants identified several priority areas for joint cooperation, including, knowledge exchange, fisheries development, research and monitoring and potential innovation and trading opportunities. The Fisheries Committee will also develop a program for exchange of officers. Commitment to Sustainable Fisheries All parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable fisheries management that respects Inuit rights, local and Inuit knowledge, and environmental stewardship. The Committee emphasized the importance of balancing economic opportunities with conservation responsibilities in Arctic waters. Moving Forward The Committee established clear reporting procedures and timelines for ongoing collaboration. This inaugural meeting represents a significant step forward in Arctic cooperation, bringing together Greenlandic and Nunavut expertise to address shared fisheries challenges and opportunities in our changing Arctic environment.
-30-
Media Contacts:
Ivaluarjuk Merritt Director of Communications Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. media@tunngavik.com Tanessa Boutin Manager of Communications Department of Community Services Government of Nunavut cs@gov.nu.ca Katrine Kærgaard Head of Division Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting, Agriculture and Self-sufficiency Government of Greenland apn@nanoq.gl Karen Flaherty Director, Strategic Communications Qikiqtani Inuit Association kflaherty@qia.ca (867) 975 - 8398